RICHIE Wellens has officially been unveiled as the new Oldham Athletic manager on a two-year deal.

At a packed press conference this afternoon, the 37-year-old said he was proud and delighted to accept the role and pledged to bring fans some good times.

He said: “I’m absolutely buzzing, it’s a club close to my heart. I’ve come to this ground for so many years, probably 30 or so. I’ve obviously played here and grew up just four or five miles down the road.

“For too long, this club has been fighting at the wrong end of the table, so let’s get up there and fight at the top end.

“It’s obviously going to be difficult because of the bad start we’ve had but let’s take the next five games or so and see if we can catch those teams above us and see where it takes us.”

Chairman Simon Corney revealed a big factor in his decision was the advice of Paul Scholes, himself interviewed for the position last week.

Mr Corney said: “Perhaps most telling was my conversation with Paul Scholes who told me that to look any further than Richie would be crazy.

“What started out to be a very hard decision has ended up being an easy one.

“Paul is someone I often turn to for advice regarding Oldham Athletic matters and he was unequivocal in his praise for Richie, adding that he, as he always is, would be willing to offer him any help or advice if asked.”

An announcement on Wellens’ assistant is expected in the next few days.

Chief executive Mark Moisley said: “He actually accepted the post yesterday but we left it until today to announce it with his agreement.

“It’s been an interesting last few weeks. I don’t think anybody would have said when John Sheridan left that Richie would be the next man in line for the job. I don’t even think Richie would have said it at that point.

“But the way he has performed over the last few weeks – and I’m not just talking about the results which have been very good – but the way that he has handled himself and the players, he has come across so well.”

Mr Moisley went on to echo the sentiments of the chairman, adding: “What potentially looked like a difficult decision three or four weeks ago has been made very easy.”

The club were bottom of League One when Wellens took charge on a temporary basis last month. Latics are now only eight points off a play-off spot after the 1-1 draw at Bradford City last night followed a run of four straight victories under Wellens in all competitions.